Assessing social vulnerability in Perth Amboy
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Greg Pope
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 10:00 AM
Description
"Perth Amboy, New Jersey, faces significant environmental and social challenges due to its industrial landscape, economic disparities, and high social vulnerability. This study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI) to examine the relationship between social vulnerability and environmental burdens within the city. The research aims to determine whether communities with higher social vulnerability experience greater exposure to environmental hazards and reduced access to green infrastructure. To achieve this, the study will utilize census-tract level data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, EPA EJScreen, NJDEP, and FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL). GIS-based spatial analysis, including spatial joins, Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) for hotspot identification, and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), will be applied to assess the intersection of social vulnerability and environmental risks. Statistical methods, such as regression analysis, will be used to evaluate correlations between social vulnerability indicators and environmental exposure. The results will be visualized through social vulnerability index maps, heat maps of pollution exposure, and infographics summarizing key findings. By identifying at-risk areas, this research aims to contribute to equitable urban planning and disaster preparedness strategies for Perth Amboy."
Assessing social vulnerability in Perth Amboy
"Perth Amboy, New Jersey, faces significant environmental and social challenges due to its industrial landscape, economic disparities, and high social vulnerability. This study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI) to examine the relationship between social vulnerability and environmental burdens within the city. The research aims to determine whether communities with higher social vulnerability experience greater exposure to environmental hazards and reduced access to green infrastructure. To achieve this, the study will utilize census-tract level data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, EPA EJScreen, NJDEP, and FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL). GIS-based spatial analysis, including spatial joins, Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) for hotspot identification, and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), will be applied to assess the intersection of social vulnerability and environmental risks. Statistical methods, such as regression analysis, will be used to evaluate correlations between social vulnerability indicators and environmental exposure. The results will be visualized through social vulnerability index maps, heat maps of pollution exposure, and infographics summarizing key findings. By identifying at-risk areas, this research aims to contribute to equitable urban planning and disaster preparedness strategies for Perth Amboy."
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.